Those that know me, know I have struggled with my skin for YEARS. Almost 15 to be exact. I had come to terms with just accepting it as is (dry, oily, acne-prone, textured, tired, etc) pretty recently, before getting the sudden and intense urge to stop wearing foundation. This desire actually emerged after having such a hard time finding a foundation I loved! No matter how hard I try, it seems impossible to match my skin tone... and I think my pH level in my skin must fluctuate? Not sure. Either way, I was exhausted by the process of researching, testing, spending tons of money, just to start again after a few days. And with a wild one year old, putting “my face on” every morning became harder and harder.All of this brought the realization of how much I relied on my foundation. It was definitely my security blanket. It covered all my blemishes, old and new, and even if the shade wasn't perfect, I felt better. Bleh. Those days are done and I dove headfirst into finding the perfect skin care routine that would actually HELP my specific skin.I normally don't fall sucker to crazy expensive skincare products because I had never TRULY seen good results in the past. This has changed a bit. I do feel strongly about what you put ON your skin and IN your body will make a difference. So beyond eating better (read: less processed foods, more fruits and veggies, whole ingredients) and drinking more water, these are my top favorite products right now and a bit about my regimen:

-Purity by Philosophy Cleanser-I use this morning and night. I love it! Another favorite is Cetaphil.-Thayer’s Witch Hazel-I also use this both morning and night. This is a great toner for a very low price. It is not harsh and can be used often (great to get extra residue off after cleansing).-Drunk Elephant C-Firma Serum-I am new to the D.E. fan club but I am hooked. The ingredients are thorough, and non-toxic. -Glossier Rich Priming Moisturizer-I’ve been using this for almost two years (!), that alone says a lot about the product. This is my daily moisturizer, I used it every morning (and sometimes again later in day if I notice extra dryness…which is my life). It’s light enough to not feel bogged down or greasy but actually works!

NIGHTTIME-Purity by Philosophy Cleanser--Thayer’s Witch Hazel--Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Serum--Rose Hip Oil/UFO Oil-Okay this is where the routine changes. If I am feeling like a breakout is coming, I will use my UFO oil. At first the smell kind of bothered me but it really helps with problem areas if you still to using it! On good skin days, I like to take my quartz roller and dab a little Rose Hip Seed Oil on. This helps with puffiness, tired skin and is great for dark spots, etc.-Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask-This is a new product, and I am a huge fan. It can be used as a moisturizer, which is what I do since I’ve got that dry skin problem. A lot like glossier, it’s not super heavy. But if you have skin that isn’t as dry as mine, washing it off after 10 minutes is probably the way to go! SF just launched their next product: Overtime, and I can’t wait to order!

Can’t believe I added a selfie on here :). Ha! I am just so surprised at how this regimen is working out for my skin. If you feel defeated with your skin or even foundation like I was… I encourage you to test some different oils and serums out. I am still shocked at the difference I noticed so quickly. And on a mama note, little things like this have helped me feel more confident and energized lately! It really is the little things, haha! xoxo

Welp, Another 6 months have passed by before my eyes. Hope I can get back into the swing of blogging this year as I enjoy blogging so much (blogged long before my business came to fruition), and I love sharing updates on work and life here when I don't have time to update my portfolios! But alas, it all takes time, doesn't it? We are just a little over 5 weeks from meeting our baby boy, Thomas Anthony Austin! I can't believe we are at the tail end of this 9-month journey. It has FLOWN by. I feel really great, and actually worry that my hormones are finally "right", and will "go back to normal" post-delivery. It worries me because I feel like my emotions, happiness, energy, etc have all been better since getting pregnant. I also wonder if that has to do with diet and a lightened workload? Either way, I pray these feelings stick around!

I have my inducing date scheduled. Which bummed me out a little at first, but I have Gestational Diabetes (also bummed me out, and took me by surprise). Although, I don't think I am the healthiest eater, I've never considered myself to have an unhealthy diet. But I am reminded once again that pregnancy does weird things to us women, and for me, one of those things is resisting a little insulin. Overall, my sugars have remained low (a huge relief) with diet and physical activity, but we monitor baby Thomas' heart rate weekly, and have an inducing date to prevent him from "over staying his welcome". :) Anyways, I hope this little bambino comes on his own. But if not I feel prepared and taken care of with my doctor!

I was torn about taking maternity photos, but had an idea early on that I wanted to do but I really didn't want cheesy photos. I honestly felt so good when I thought of how I wanted them to look and feel that I was so ecstatic to reach out to one of my favorite photographers (and friend) Kaylie B. Poplin Photography. We were planning to go to Rosemary Beach to celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary (we got married there) and I would conveniently be 30 weeks pregnant during the trip... it just seemed like the perfect time IN the perfect place to document this season of our marriage. But as my pregnancy progressed, and I grew (lol), I started to regret planning these photos, especially because I was hoping to do REAL beach ones, in a bikini and everything. What.BUT. I am here to say that I am so so so happy I took these! They are exactly what I had in mind when I planned them originally and show the joy and happiness that this season has brought me. I am still shocked at how well Kaylie was able to capture these emotions for me. I truly will have them forever and even plan to add a few to Thomas Anthony's first baby book. I always believe if you FEEL good, document it. Remember it. Use it. It's contagious and will keep the momentum going when you begin to feel LESS good.

Just a few of my many favorites above but you can see more on Kaylie B Poplin's blog, here! I hope these inspire some of you to go head first into pregnancy and do "all the things", the cheesy included. :) I look forward to sharing Thomas' fun baby shower details, darling nursery and maybe even some VAD wedding work here during my downtime. XOXO